I’ve been reading a lot of James Baldwin lately (1924 – 1987). I’m struck by his courage to write about hard things. Here was a man who spoke about being Black in 1950s America. If that wasn’t enough, he was also homosexual. He wrote about these things without reservation. He spoke about being a minister’s son, failing in his faith, and working through the deaths of people he loved who were killed for their skin color.
People are scared to stand up against tyranny, hate, and the mob. They fear that doing so might cause them to harm their reputation, lose their job, or offend the people they know and love.
It takes courage to write a book that makes society wonder if it’s playing fair and riding the rails, or if it’s abusing certain privileges. He wrote many books, and now, in 2025, I think we need courageous writers like him more than ever. What’s happening to us?
Here’s to you, James Baldwin. I miss you.
Until tomorrow, read slowly – take notes – apply the ideas.
-Eddy
I could not believe I saw this on my news feed!! I have also been pondering James Baldwin! I connected to him immediately in Reading his quotes. Thank you for highlighting him!!
James Baldwin has not only been on my mind, but I started reading his book of essays, Notes of a Native Son, again for Black History Month. I marvel at how his words from the 1950’s echo the same sentiment of what it means to be Black in America today. He wrote is so boldly, so eloquently and ever-so passionately. I have even found myself watching old videos of him giving speeches and debating with commentators of the time. What a master writer and thinker!